Area residents with declining mental health can now seek free, short-term counseling through the Holland Free Health Clinic, 99 W. 26th St.

Coral Swieringa, Holland Free Health Clinic’s program coordinator, said mental health is a vital factor in a person's overall wellness, and being able to provide support to members of the community has become an important part of the clinic’s mission.

While the clinic has offered counseling services to its internal clients since last fall, Executive Director Jeff Compagner said, "We’re just now getting the word out to the general public that this program exists."

Since this program began, more than 30 clients have been matched with volunteer therapists, totaling more than 90 hours of free counseling. All counseling is done by area licensed therapists who have volunteered their time.

The opportunity to receive short-term counseling sessions exists for those who meet the eligibility requirements and are classified as underserved.

Short-term services equates to about six to eight weeks of counseling, Compagner said. "We realize there are people who need far more help than that, but at this point that’s not something we can offer."

The clinic also has a partnership with PineRest, which through its Caring Communities ministry, has a licensed therapist on staff at Holland Free Health Clinic for six hours every Tuesday.

The clinic is currently looking for donations and more licensed therapists who are willing to donate their time.

For more information about the clinic’s counseling services, visit hfhclinic.org.

Counseling services are available by appointment only by calling (616) 392-3610.